[jude24]

According to Marine witnesses, in some cases interrogations lasted up to 18 hours. During prolonged questioning sessions, Marines were not allowed to eat, drink, or use the bathroom. In some cases, Marines were kept in segregated rooms of an old Iraqi dam that were damp, dark, and "dungeon like."

Not illegal. Happens all the time, even in civilian courts.

Many witnesses reported that the questioning was accusatorial, confrontational, and at times insulting. One officer stated that agents yelled and threw things at him during his questioning.

Interrogations are like that.

This is a piece designed to whip up hysteria. There's not much substance there. Legally, the Haditha Marines' best defense is lack of specific intent to commit any unlawful acts, but that they acted reasonably and consistently with their training. These ancillary issues are mere distractions.

[Girlene]

...”Interrogations are like that. “

Jude24, do you seriously think NCIS interrrogated the possible Iraqi witnesses like this? From some of the articles I read, Iraqis seemed quite pleased by all the attention that NCIS gave to them and the “investigation”.

...”This is a piece designed to whip up hysteria. There’s not much substance there. “...

You mean like calling our Marines Cold-Blooded Murderers?

[RedRover]

Some Haditha Marines gave conflicting statements to investigators. I believe (though I don't know for certain) that Lt. Col. Chessani's lawyers are laying the groundwork to attack that testimony as coerced.

Granted, a more evident case could be built against NCIS misconduct in the Hamdania investigation. Now that Alan Dershowitz is involved with Hamdania, that may happen.

Alleged NCIS misconduct should be as troubling to JAGs as anyone, of course. Shoddy or improper police work can undermine a case.

BTW, this is the thread I hoped you join: Bastards and Men of Honor [FReeper comments needed]

[xzins]

These ancillary issues are mere distractions.

I don't really agree with that.

These issues could cause the case to get dismissed. When a joint force commanding general claims there was extreme command influence and the case should be dismissed because the troops can't get a fair trial, that is more than mere distraction. It is part of an all out media war with the intent of getting the case dropped ahead of time.

It is not a distraction when one is asked for a lawyer and the lawyer is not provided. The issue, of course, is proving that. NCIS is not required to tape their sessions as the other military services do. Actually, though, that will give the benefit of the doubt to the defendants, I'd think.

And finally, if it is provable that accused were not permitted to relieve themselves, then that is a serious charge in the information campaign to free these men.